MINUTES

OF THE

CRANBURY TOWNSHIP

SHADE TREE COMMISSION

CRANBURY, NEW JERSEY

MIDDLESEX COUNTY

TIME AND PLACE OF MEETING

The regularly scheduled meeting of June 8, 2004 of the Cranbury Township Shade Tree Commission was held was held at Town Hall, at 7:00 p.m.

CALL TO ORDER

With a quorum present, Norma Swale, acting as Chair of the Cranbury Township Shade Tree Commission, called the meeting to order, and Linda M. Scott, acted as Secretary of the meeting.

STATEMENT OF ADEQUATE NOTICE

Pursuant to the Sunshine Law adequate notice in accordance with the Open Public Meeting Act (N.J.S.A. 10:4-6)was provided on January 7, 2004 of this meeting=s date, time, place and agenda was mailed to those requesting personal notice, and filed with the Municipal Clerk.

MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE

Norma Swale, John Toscano, and Dave Zebuhr.

MINUTES

The minutes of the April 13, 2003 meeting were reviewed and amended. Motion to approve made by John Toscano, second by Dave Zebuhr.

OLD BUSINESS

Norma stated that this Shade Tree Ordinance is lacking in much enforcement. Dave would like to know if there is a rule stating that the homeowner is responsible for so many feet from the curb on to their property.

At a Township Committee meeting, there was a discussion of the sidewalk repair situation and who would be responsible for payment of the improvements. It is a feeling on the ST that the homeowners should pay for the improvements and that there should be the obligation to all who use the walk for a safe passage along the property.

There is no update regarding the Sycamore tree in front of the Cranbury Inn. Secretary informed the ST that Judy wrote a recommendation to the TC. The tree is located on a county road and grows in their easement. One question the ST had was how much of an easement does the owner, not just this case, but other land owners in town and does the Town have jurisdiction?

Arbor Day was on April 30. Mayor Stannard read the Proclamation. Pine tree saplings were handed out at the end of the ceremony. A maple tree was donated and planted near the Cranbury School new parking lot.

To follow up with the trees near the fire house pump station, Dave volunteered to donate three seedlings, one an American Elm, one an American Chestnut approximately 30” high and the last being a mulberry. This area would be an excellent spot for the mulberry tree which attracts and feeds birds. Dave also volunteered to plant the trees. John volunteered to donate the mulch. The public works dept. would need to transport the mulch. Tom would need to be consulted before this could happen.

NEW BUSINESS

Norma feels that any new plantings in town should be placed further away from the curbs. This would allow room for growth.

A few residents have removed healthy gum ball trees so Norma will volunteer to investigate the taking down of trees on private property. There may be a per acre ratio for private property.

Dave volunteered to contact Tom Witt regarding the ST ordinance. He will contact other municipalities regarding their ordinances.

ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING

There being no further business, on motion duly made, seconded, and carried, the meeting was thereupon adjourned.

CERTIFICATE OF SECRETARY

I, Linda M. Scott, the Undersigned do hereby, certify;

That I am duly elected and acting secretary of the Cranbury Township Shade Tree Commission and,

That the foregoing minutes of the Shade Tree Commission, held on June 8, 2004 consisting of 2 pages, constitute a true and correct copy of the minutes of the said meeting.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribe, my name of said Shade Tree Commission this, ____________________, 2004.

_____________________________________________

Linda M. Scott, Secretary